Forest Lake Has Several Local Businesses to Meet Your Holiday Shopping Needs
November 27, 2024
Residents of Forest Lake, Minnesota, and surrounding communities have several local businesses to choose from when planning their holiday shopping. Whether you need to pick up handmade crafts for loved ones, unique finds for friends, or tokens of appreciation for co-workers, there’s a business owner ready to help you. The small business community reflects the entrepreneurial spirit of Forest Lake and the neighbors who continue to shop locally.
“The Forest Lake Area invests heavily in our local business community,” says Nannette LaNasa, President & CEO of the Forest Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. “Businesses provide a wide variety of products and services to our residents, while residents truly want to see these locally-owned companies thrive.”
You don’t have to go far to find holiday gifts and opportunities to shop in Forest Lake. Here’s how to stay local this December.
Shoppers Can Buy Gifts from Several Different Industries
The Forest Lake Area Chamber of Commerce has a detailed business directory that makes it easy to find local businesses. You can see how diverse regional entrepreneurs are by exploring the different industries and customers they serve. Stop by a local pet store to pick up treats for Fido and then visit a boutique shop or two to browse their gifts and accessories.
“New businesses continue to open in Forest Lake, further meeting the needs of residents,” says Chris Eng, Economic Development Director for the Washington County Community Development Agency (CDA). “You don’t have to travel far to find the gifts you need and you don’t have to deal with unwanted shipping costs.”
If you have a favorite business in the area, consider sharing it with others. Buying a gift card supports that business now while inviting new people to try it after the holiday season.
Celebrate and Shop at Hometown Holiday
Seasonal shopping can be stressful when you have a seemingly endless list of people to find gifts for. The Chamber’s ‘Local Like YOU Holidays’ promotion helps relieve this stress by giving you a resource list to shop local with special offers, visit Santa and give generously. You can find these listings on the Forest Lake Area Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page and flyers will be available at Forest Lake’s Hometown Holiday event.
Hometown Holiday is a free event at Lakeside Memorial Park hosted by the Chamber and the City of Forest Lake. Mark your calendar for Friday, December 6, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM. The event ends with the ceremonial tree lighting at 6:45 PM. The park will be filled with local food and craft vendors along with performances by local youth. Kids (and kids at heart) will love the petting zoo, bonfires, and s’mores. Don’t forget to visit Santa and see if his elves can help with your shopping list!
“Even though Forest Lake has grown to be a fairly large community, there is still a hometown feel here which is wonderful,” says LaNasa. “You are amongst your friends and family often when you’re out and about.”
Hometown Holiday is a great opportunity to spend time with the people you care about and enjoy the fun that comes with living in Forest Lake.
The Chamber and Forest Lake Residents Support Local Businesses Year-Round
While the holiday season is an invaluable time for local business owners, residents of Forest Lake don’t forget about their neighborhood companies once the holiday season ends. Shopping locally is a way of life in Forest Lake, especially with the various initiatives developed by the Chamber to promote companies throughout the year.
“The amount of engagement here is really spectacular,” says LaNasa. “Businesses, government entities, schools, and community groups each have our own lane, but when we have the opportunity to come together, it’s magical.”
The Chamber runs programs to bring partners together and support networking in the Forest Lake community. There are mentorship groups and resources for anyone interested in starting a business in the area.
“We celebrate and encourage new businesses,” says LaNasa. “If you’re thinking about opening a new business in Forest Lake, I have one thing to say: DO IT!”
Local Businesses Contribute to the Quality of Life in Forest Lake
Forest Lake, and Washington County as a whole, is stronger because of its local businesses. These businesses continue to grow because of the investment from residents. Both companies and individuals are better off because of each other, making Forest Lake a great place to live.
Before you “Add to Cart” this holiday season, see if you can get similar gifts from local businesses. Your purchase makes a huge difference and contributes to the growth of Washington County as a whole. You might be surprised at how much local businesses have to offer.
